Everton’s Ronald Koeman receives Dutch backing to get Barcelona job in the summer

Former Netherlands international Willem van Hanegem believes it would be nice for Everton manager Ronald Koeman to get the Barcelona job. Current Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has announced he will be stepping down at the end of the season after three seasons in the role.

Writing in his column for AD.nl, Van Hanegem spoke about his admiration for Koeman, and wished he was still at Feyenoord. Van Hanegem believes Koeman has the stature for such a club, and could deal with Barcelona’s superstars.

“I was happier when I saw Ronald Koeman sitting in the sunshine in De Kuip. He’s now linked to the trainer position at Barcelona, it would be nice if he could go there. Koeman has the hardness that you need as a coach to manage such a changing room full of egos like at Barcelona,” said the Dutch legend.

Since arriving in England from Feyenoord Koeman has enhanced his reputation as a manager. The former Barcelona captain helped Southampton to their best finish in the Premier League last season, before joining Everton in the summer.

Since the turn of the year Koeman’s Everton side have been in impressive form, and at the weekend recorded another victory, this time against West Bromwich Albion.